Campbell snags ITN journalist

The Lib Dem leader has hired Mark Webster as his senior media spokesperson, starting in June. Webster has 30 years of experience in journalism, including stints at The Evening Standard, The Financial Times, ITN and Channel Five.

‘The middle ground in politics is crowded,' said Webster. He said his job was to ‘make it clear that we have been consistent, that we were interested in issues such as the environment before they became fashionable'.

He likened his new role to ‘pushing at an open door', saying the party's message ‘doesn't need gloss or spin'.

He added that Campbell was already recognised as ‘the most decent and honest person in British politics' and insisted that Campbell's age was not an issue, given his ‘energy, experience, gravitas and vast knowledge'.

Webster will work alongside Puja Darbari, Campbell's press secretary, and Jonathan Oates, the party's director of policy and comms.

Oates said the appointment further' steeled' the Lib Dems' comms team ahead of the next general election.